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The advent of technology in schools has changed the mission of the school library from a central repository of materials to a rich information system that can successfully drive student achievement.
In a time when the pressure on (school achievement is at an all-time high, administrators have realized that every component of the educational system must be reexamined to ensure that it is delivering at optimum levels. The advent of technology in schools has changed the mission of the school library from a central repository of materials to a rich information system that extends out into the classroom and into the homes of students and teachers.
Research from 15 states (for further information, see www.davidvl.org /research.html) indicates that a library media program can significantly push student achievement when certain components are in place. This article will spotlight the essential components that two exemplary high school library media centers (LMCs)-Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim, PA, (Joe Roy, principal, and Joyce Valenza, library media specialist) and Hunderten Central Regional High School in Flemington, NJ, (Lisa Brady, principal, and Harlene Rosenberg, library media specialist)-have used to bring their libraries into the digital age.
Four Essential Components
Four essential elements have allowed the LMCs of Springfield Township and Hunderton Central Regional to drive student achievement: the digital school library, the library media specialist as an information coach, the library media specialist as a learning consultant, and the library media specialist as a reading guru.
The digital school library. A high-quality digital school library should be available to teachers and students on a 24-hour basis and include:
* Links to major research projects that the school is undertaking. This saves time by focusing on only the best information and meets the needs of students better than any textbook could.
* Electronic databases that provide high-quality information on almost any topic. Although these databases can be expensive, they are far superior to the...